Adaptor for connecting an electronic device having a camera to an optical device

ABSTRACT

This invention comprises an adaptor device for connecting an electronic device having a camera to a range of optical devices, including but not limited to binoculars, monoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, and microscopes. This adaptor device has a plurality of protrusion that provide a self-centering and fitted connection between the electronic and optical device, so that the optical axes are aligned so that the user may take images or video on their electronic device through the optical device. The structure of the adaptor device allows the adaptor to fit a range of differently sized optical device, denoted by the diameter of the eyepiece end of the optical device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

There are many common optical devices, such as binoculars, monoculars,riflescopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, and microscopes, which do nothave image recording capabilities, such as a built-in camera. Thesetypes of optical devices each have an eyepiece end, the end closest tothe observer and a objective end, the end closest to the object beingviewed. The external housing of the eyepiece lens end, also commonlyreferred to as an eyecup, has an approximately cylindrical shapemirroring the cylindrical shape and size of the eyepiece lens. Each typeand size of optical device corresponds to a range of diameters of theexternal cylindrical housing for eyepiece lens end.

In order to having imaging recording capabilities with these opticaldevices, some versions of these optical devices have been made withintegrated cameras or attachment means to a full sized DSLR camera butthe result is always a bulky, heavy and expensive design.

Since many consumers now carry a portable electronic device, such as aphone or tablet with them that already has a camera, it would beconvenient for this camera to be used in combination with these opticaldevices. However, it is not a simple and easy matter of aligning andconnecting the two optical devices together, namely, the camera of theelectronic device to the optical device. The reasons for thesedifficulties in design is that for proper imaging, the optical axis ofeach device must be lined up very closely, and the electronic devicemust be held snugly and securely in place, and while accounting for awide range of sizes of the external cylindrical housing for the eyepieceend of the optical devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is prior art regarding the connection of cameras or electronicdevices having a camera to an optical device, but none of these priorart adaptor devices utilize a simple, yet self-centering and fittedconnection that is capable of fitting to a range of sizes and types ofoptical devices.

Many prior art examples are designed to support only a very specificoptical device, corresponding to a single or prohibitively narrow bandof diameters of the external housing of the eyepiece end. For example,one prior art example is the Meopta Meopix iScoping adaptor, which has afixed-diameter plastic ring that is designed to connect to Meopta brandbinoculars with the same sized eyecups, or otherwise only designed towork with a few brands of 42 mm binoculars. Furthermore, the fixeddiameter, cylindrical plastic ring may not have a snug and fitted holdon optics with a smooth rubber, plain plastic or metal housing orhousing that doesn't have a matching contour to the adaptor. Theconstruction does not allow for the ability to conform and grip ontothese types of housings. Therefore, the structure of such prior art islimiting not only to size but material and contour of the housing.

Other similarly limited approaches use threads on the adaptor to matchup with threads on the optical device. This type of approach is alsovery specific since the threads on the adaptor limit its functioningwith mating threads of a single diameter and thread pitch.

Another common approach is a clamping mechanism with one or more screwadjustment, like Orion SteadyPix Telescope Photo Adapter for iPhones ordigiscoping adaptors such as the one from Barska for DSLR. This has thebenefit of being capable of attaching to a wider range of diameters ofexternal eyepiece housings, but is not geometrically self-centering, andas a result these types of clamping designs typical requires otheradjustment knobs or controls to properly center and position the opticaldevice related to the camera of the electronic device. This becomes acomplicated procedure of adjustments for the users, and is very timeconsuming and frustrating for anyone using the device on multipleoptical devices.

The prior art does not demonstrate an adaptor device between opticaldevices and electronic devices having a camera, which meets therequirements of being self-centering so as to align the optical axes,fitted so as to provide a snug and conforming fit to a range ofmaterials and shapes of a cylindrical end of the optical device, andmore universal so as to fit a range of diameters of a cylindrical end ofthe optical device. Furthermore, the prior art can not meet theserequirements, especially without the need for adjustments by the user,such as tightening down a clamp or centering the axes manually.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and to achievethe objects and advantages set forth above and below, the presentinvention is, generally speaking, directed to a novel and improvedadaptor device, which can connect an optical device to an electronicdevice having a camera.

For example, it is objectives of the present invention to provide animproved adaptor device that adequately fits a range of optical devices,while still providing a secure and self-aligned connection to theelectronic device having a camera. Said adaptor device is easier to useand generally more universal than prior art constructions.

Another objective of the present invention to utilize a self-centeringand fitted connection that is capable of fitting to a range of sizes andtypes of optical devices, without requiring a very specific matingportion on the optical device, such as threads or connector.

Another objective of the present invention is to develop a adaptordevice which does not require user adjustments to properly center oralign the optical device. Furthermore, it would not require the user toadjust any knob or clamp so that the optical device is held tight by theadaptor device.

Further objectives and advantages of this invention will become moreapparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

In a preferred embodiment, an adaptor device for coupling an electronicdevice comprising a camera with an optical axis, to an optical devicehaving a first optical axis and at least one cylindrical end, whereinthe adaptor device comprises: a main body coupleable to the electronicdevice and alignable with the optical axis of the camera of theelectronic device, and having a bottom surface that includes at leastone opening, a plurality of protrusions connected to the top surface ofthe main body and positioned around a common center, wherein eachprotrusion consists of at least one of a first member and a first memberhaving a frictional segment, and wherein the plurality of protrusionsform a self-centering and fitted connection when placed on thecylindrical end of the optical device, wherein the device is alignablewith the first optical axis of a plurality of optical devices,corresponding to the range of external diameters of the cylindrical endof the optical device.

In a preferred method for connecting an electronic device having acamera with an optical axis, to an optical device having a first opticalaxis and at least one cylindrical end, with an adaptor device comprises:a main body coupleable to the electronic device and alignable with theoptical axis of the camera of the electronic device, and having a bottomsurface that includes at least one opening, a plurality of protrusionsconnected to the top surface of the main body and positioned around acommon center, wherein each protrusion consists of at least one of afirst member and a first member having a frictional segment, and whereinthe plurality of protrusions form a self-centering and fitted connectionwhen placed on the cylindrical end of the optical device, wherein thedevice is alignable with the first optical axis of a plurality ofoptical devices, corresponding to the range of external diameters of thecylindrical end of the optical device.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will beexemplified in the construction, illustration and descriptionhereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicatedin the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the invention are made moreapparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiment whenread in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the adaptordevice, wherein the adaptor device is shown connecting to a binocular asthe illustrated optical device. In this embodiment, the adaptor deviceis directly connected by physical, mechanical, magnetic or a combinationthereof, means to the illustrated electronic device.

FIG. 2 is another preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein thisembodiment has the adaptor device indirectly connected by the use of twoadditional components to the electronic device, namely a holder and acase.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the adaptordevice, wherein the adaptor device is shown connecting to a microscope,as the illustrated optical device. In this embodiment, the adaptordevice is directly connected by physical or magnetic means to the tabletcomputer, as the illustrated electronic device.

FIG. 4 is another preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, wherein thisembodiment has the adaptor device indirectly connected by the use of twoadditional components to the electronic device, namely a holder and acase.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the adaptor device, without the opticalor electronic device. The first inset is the perspective view of thepreferred embodiment, indicating the main body with a plurality ofprotrusions having a first member. The second inset depicts the mainbody with a plurality of protrusions having a first member withfrictional segment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adaptor device, without the opticalor electronic device. The first inset is the perspective view of thepreferred embodiment, indicating the main body with a plurality ofprotrusions, wherein the frictional segments make up a single flexiblering, shown in an assembled state. While second and third insetseparately depicts the flexible ring and the main body with a pluralityof protrusions, respectively.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adaptor device, without the opticalor electronic device. The first inset is the perspective view of thepreferred embodiment, indicating the main body with a plurality ofprotrusions and a flexible ring externally conforming to the pluralityof protrusions, in an assembled state. While second and third insetseparately depicts the flexible ring and the main body with a pluralityof protrusions, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adaptor device, without the opticalor electronic device. The first inset is the perspective view of thepreferred embodiment, indicating the main body with a plurality ofprotrusions, wherein the frictional segments make up a nested set offlexible rings, shown in an assembled state. While second and thirdinset separately depicts the nested flexible rings and the main bodywith a plurality of protrusions, respectively.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the adaptor device which includes aholder for the electronic device. The first inset is the perspectiveview of the preferred embodiment, indicating the main body with aplurality of protrusions and a flexible ring in an assembled state withthe holder for the electronic device. While second inset depicts apreferred embodiment where the holder can removeably detached, forexample by a snap-fit means, to the holder.

Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicatelike parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called outwith a reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the adaptor device in FIG. 1 having a mainbody 10, and a plurality of protrusions 18. The optical device 13 shownis binoculars, wherein the adaptor device is aligned with thebinoculars' first optical axis, or if in the case of a monocular, thesole optical axis. The device is depicted in a coupled state to anelectronic device comprising a camera 12. In this example shown, theelectronic device having a camera 12 is a smartphone attached viaphysical, mechanical, magnetic, or a combination thereof means to theadaptor device. For example, the main body could include an array ofmagnets that mates with a matching set of magnets that are part of theelectronic device. However, the adaptor device may also be coupleable tothe electronic device indirectly by utilizing additional components,such as a holder or case for the electronic device. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 2, the holder is a plastic sleeve 14 maintaining a griparound a rubber case 15 that encases the electronic device.

In another preferred embodiment of the adaptor device, the adaptordevice also having a main body 10 and a plurality of protrusions 18 isshown with different instance of optical device 13 and electronic devicecomprising a camera 12 in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the optical deviceis a microscope, specifically a biological microscope with a binoculareyepiece, wherein the adaptor is aligned with the first optical axis.This example can also apply to a monocular eyepiece microscope, wherethe first optical axis would be the sole optical axis. In this case, theelectronic device comprising a camera 12 is a tablet. For this specificapplication, the diameter of the adaptor device can be adjusted for thesmaller eyepieces typical of microscopes. Also, for a heavier electronicdevices such as a large tablet, reinforcing members or additionalsupports can be added to balance the weight of device while keeping theelectronic device stable and secured. Once again, the electronic devicecan be coupleable directly as in FIG. 3 or indirectly as in FIG. 4 byuse of additional components, such as a holder 14 and case 12.

The adaptor device is shown without an optical or electronic device inFIG. 5a , which depicts the preferred embodiment with a main body 10with an opening 20 in the bottom surface and a plurality of protrusions.In FIG. 5a , each protrusion 18 has only a first member, such as a solidresilient plastic, which is ideally a thin walled structure so that theprotrusions may act as a flexure to conform to a range of diameters. Theprotrusions must be placed around a common center to ensure the deviceis self-centering with a range of diameters of optical devices. Also,the thickness and stiffness of the material must be balanced so as toprovide a secure hold on the optical device yet able to bend toaccommodate a range of diameters. Ideal thicknesses range from 0.75 mmto 1.75 mm for a typical ABS plastic material, depending on requirementfor the range of diameters.

Another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5b depicts the protrusionscan also include a frictional segment 11, which can serve severalpurposes. First, the frictional segments can provide additional holdwith the housing of the optical device, especially when the opticalhousing is made of a smooth material, such as metal or plastic. Second,the frictional segments can also be of a flexible material that providesan additional conforming effect around different contours of the opticalhousing. Third, it can help extend the range of diameters the device iscapable of coupling with, as these frictional segments if made from aflexible material, could compress radially to accept larger diameteroptical devices, while still maintaining enough hold to grip ontosmaller diameter optical devices. The frictional segments may be aportion of rubber paint, a rough foam, rough fabric or rubber portions,which may be permanently affixed or removeably connected to the firstmember. One benefit of having removable frictional segments is that itmay be advantageous for the user to use both the first memberindependently and with the frictional segments, to even moresubstantially extend the range of diameters of the optical device thatare coupleable to the adaptor.

In another preferred embodiment in FIG. 6, the frictional segments 11 ofthe plurality of protrusions can form a single ring of frictionalsegments. Furthermore, this single ring is flexible so as to notconstrict the radial conforming of the adaptor device to fit aroundmultiple diameters of optical devices. The flexible ring is ideally madefrom an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, that can conformand stretch to meet a range of sizes and shapes. This ring is also amore convenient form of the frictional segments as the user canremoveably connect a single frictional element to the adaptor device, sothat for a very large range of diameters of optical devices, the usermay utilize a few differently sized rings and switch out the ring forthe specific device. In this case, only approximately three to fiverings would be necessary to account for all existing optical products.The frictional segments can also be combined into a series of nestedrings as shown in FIG. 8, for storage of the various sized rings, or fordirect use. For example, with three nested rings, with use on a smalldiameter, all three rings can be left in place and used to connect tothe optical device, while on a larger diameter, one or more rings can beremoved and then the remaining rings in combination with the adaptordevice can be used to connect to the optical device.

The flexible ring can also be externally shaped to conform to theprotrusions as shown in FIG. 7, where for example there are additionalridges 17 extending outward in a radial direction. The benefit of theseadditional ridges is that when twisting the adaptor device around theoptical device during the coupling, de-coupling or adjustment oforientation steps, the frictional segments 11 will stay in placerelative to the main body 10. This is helpful if the user wishes toplace their electronic device at a certain angle relative to the opticaldevice, such as a horizontal or vertical orientation. Another additionalfeature shown in FIG. 7 is a flange 19 on the plurality of protrusionswith a mating cutout 16 on the flexible ring. The benefit of theseadditional features is that during removal of the adaptor device fromthe optical device, the frictional segment may stay gripped onto theoptical device, such that only part of the device is removed, therebyrequiring two removal steps. These mating portions eliminate anypossibility of having two removal steps, since these features retain theflexible ring within the flanges, so that the two components will alwaysbe removed together as a single unit. The flange 19 may also be useindependently in the embodiment with only the first member, as it couldhelp to snap onto a rim of an eyepiece. Additionally, all of theaforementioned features, namely the additional ridges 17 and the flange19 with mating cutouts 16, can also eliminate the need for adhesive orother fasteners to join the frictional segments 11 to the other parts ofthe adaptor device. As a result, this also allows the user to easilyswitch out differently sized rings, in thickness and diameter, for theirspecific range of optical devices.

Also, the bottom surface of the main body 10 is ideally shaped toconnect the adaptor device to the electronic device, such as in the caseof a snap-fit connection between the adaptor device and a holder for theelectronic device. For example, an cylindrical protrusion can bedesigned to snap-fit into a cylindrical cutout in the bottom surface ofthe main body. In one preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, thecutout in the bottom surface of the main body is a cylindrical cutout 20that mates to a cylindrical protrusion 21 in a case or holder for theelectronic device. The use of a snap-fit connection could beadvantageous to the user with multiple devices, who has a holder foreach type of device with the same cylindrical protrusions. Then the usercan mix and match the electronic devices with the optical devices withuse of this adaptor device.

It can thus be seen that the present invention is advantageous andovercomes the perceived deficiencies in the prior art.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and,since certain changes may be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

It should also be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the inventiondescribed herein and all statements of the scope of the invention thatas a matter of language might fall there between.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adaptor device for coupling anelectronic device comprising at least a first camera with an opticalaxis, to an optical device having a first optical axis and at least onecylindrical end without mating geometry, wherein the adaptor devicecomprises: a main body alignable with the optical axis of at least thefirst camera of the electronic device, and having at least one topsurface and a bottom surface, wherein at least the first top surfaceincludes at least one opening having a center, a holder for coupling andaligning the electronic device to the adapter device, and having atleast one or the combination thereof, a mating geometry that isalignable and coupleable with at least the first opening of the mainbody, and at least one surface that is contiguous to at least a sectionof the bottom surface of the main body such that the holder may bejoined with the main body so as to form a single part, a plurality offlexible protrusions including at least a first and a second flexibleprotrusion, wherein the protrusions are positioned about the center ofthe main body, and extend in a direction both away from at least thefirst top surface of the main body and away from the center of the mainbody, and at least the first protrusion is at least partiallynon-contiguous to at least the second protrusion, wherein the pluralityof protrusions are the primary connection means between the adaptordevice and the optical device and whereby the flexible nature andpositioning of the plurality of protrusions allows for the formation ofa self-centering and fitted connection when placed on the cylindricalend of the optical device despite the lack of mating geometry on thecylindrical end, wherein the device is alignable with the first opticalaxis of a plurality of optical devices, corresponding to the range ofexternal diameters of the cylindrical end of the optical device.
 2. Theadaptor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder consists of twoparts: a plastic holder portion and a rubber case portion, wherein therubber case portion is the primary connection means between the plasticholder portion and the electronic device without mating geometry.
 3. Theadaptor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusions are angledrelative to the top surface of the main body, in a direction away fromtheir common center.
 4. The adaptor device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the bottom surface of the main body is removeably connected tothe holder of the electronic device.
 5. The adaptor device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least the first flexible protrusion is made of aplastic material and wherein the fitted connection is made indirectlyvia at least a first frictional elastomeric segment between theplurality of protrusions and the cylindrical end of the optical device.6. The adaptor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each protrusionconsists of at least one of a first member and a first member having atleast a first frictional segment, and wherein at least the firstfrictional segment is a flexible ring.
 7. The adaptor device as claimedin claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a flangethat mates with cutouts on at least one flexible ring, so as to fixtureat least one flexible ring in position.
 8. The adaptor device as claimedin claim 6, wherein the flexible ring is externally shaped to conform toat least the first flexible protrusion.
 9. A method for connecting anelectronic device having at least one camera with an optical axis, to anoptical device having a first optical axis and at least one cylindricalend without mating geometry, wherein the adaptor device comprises: amain body alignable with the optical axis of at least the first cameraof the electronic device, and having at least one top surface and abottom surface, wherein at least the first top surface includes at leastone opening having a center, a holder for coupling and aligning theelectronic device to the adapter device, and having at least one or thecombination thereof, a mating geometry that is alignable and coupleablewith at least the first opening of the main body, and at least onesurface that is contiguous to at least a section of the bottom surfaceof the main body such that the holder may be joined with the main bodyso as to form a single part, a plurality of flexible protrusionsincluding at least a first and a second flexible protrusion, wherein theprotrusions are positioned about the center of the main body, and extendin a direction both away from at least the first top surface of the mainbody and from the center of the main body, and at least the firstprotrusion is at least partially non-contiguous to at least the secondprotrusion, wherein the plurality of protrusions are the primaryconnection means between the adaptor device and the optical device andwhereby the flexible nature and positioning of the plurality ofprotrusions allows for the formation of a self-centering and fittedconnection when placed on the cylindrical end of the optical devicedespite the lack of mating geometry on the cylindrical end, wherein thedevice is alignable with the first optical axis of a plurality ofoptical devices, corresponding to the range of external diameters of thecylindrical end of the optical device, wherein the method at leastcomprises the steps of: coupling the electronic device to the adaptordevice, wherein the first opening of the main body is aligned to atleast the first optical axis of at least the first camera of theelectronic device, and connecting the adaptor device to the opticaldevice, wherein the plurality of protrusion form a self-centering andfitted connection to the optical device.
 10. The method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the holder of the electronic device consists of twoparts: a plastic holder portion and a rubber case portion, wherein therubber case portion is the primary connection means between the plasticholder portion and the electronic device without mating geometry. 11.The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the protrusions are angledrelative to the top surface of the main body, in a direction away fromtheir common center.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein thebottom surface of the main body is removeably connected to the holder ofthe electronic device.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein atleast the first flexible protrusion is made of a plastic material andwherein the fitted connection is made indirectly via at least a firstfrictional elastomeric segment between the plurality of protrusions andthe cylindrical end of the optical device.
 14. The method as claimed inclaim 9, wherein each protrusion consists of at least one of a firstmember and a first member having at least a first frictional segment,and wherein at least the first frictional segment is a flexible ring.15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein each of the plurality ofprotrusions has a flange that mates with cutouts on at least oneflexible ring so as to fixture at least one flexible rings in position.16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the flexible ring isexternally shaped to conform to at least the first flexible protrusion.17. An adaptor device for coupling an electronic device comprising atleast a first camera with an optical axis, to an optical device having afirst optical axis and at least one cylindrical end without a matinggeometry, wherein the adaptor device comprises: a main body alignablewith the optical axis of at least the first camera of the electronicdevice, and having at least one opening having a center, a holder forcoupling and aligning the electronic device to the adapter device,wherein the holder is alignable and coupleable to the main body, aplurality of flexible protrusions including at least a first and asecond flexible protrusion, wherein the protrusions are positioned aboutthe center of the main body, and extend in a direction both away from atleast the first top surface of the main body and from the center of themain body, wherein the plurality of protrusions form a self-centeringand fitted connection when placed on the cylindrical end of the opticaldevice despite the lack of mating geometry on the cylindrical end,wherein the device is alignable with the first optical axis of aplurality of optical devices, corresponding to the range of externaldiameters of the cylindrical end of the optical device.